Easter and despite warnings of poor weather, the dry sunny weather is continuing.
Shaun had arrived with the tea and we had steaming mugs in paw, much to Allen's pleasure.
"That will be your third mug", said Shaun, as he took Allen's mug for a refill.
"I told you", said Tetley. "he's got hollow legs."
"The hot cross buns are delicious Grizzly", said Southey taking another.
"As is the chocolate caramel shortbread, Little Eric", added Tetley.
Turning to walking, Allen said, "I reckon Dad will take us out on Easter Sunday, but we need to come up with an idea."
"I have been looking at the walks index and found one that has only been done once in 1997, which was before any of us went with Dad. It takes us up Borrowdale and back over the fellside", said Shaun.
"Borrowdale on Easter Sunday!", exclaimed Southey. "I will be packed out."
"Yes indeed the Borrowdale near Keswick will be, but the Borrowdale valley I am suggesting is near Tebay in the old county of Westmorland. It is little frequented and I doubt we will see many people at all."
"Oh right I understand", replied Southey. "So all that remains is for Allen to see what Dad thinks."
"Give me the instructions", he said draining his mug, before trotting out of the room.
"You had better refill it, Shaun", said Tetley. "He bound to want another mug of tea."
Soon back Allen said, "thanks pal", as he took the steaming mug. "Dad likes our suggestion. He says we will be far from the madding crowd."
Driving the M6 north we exited at junction 38, taking the road towards Kendal, through Tebay and back across the motorway, to take the narrow road right and park on the verge, Dad having forgotten there is a small parking area a short way further on. This was full however, the about half a dozen cars preaching to the fact that this valley still remains off the tourist track.
At the gate by the parking area, Dad had a brief chat with a gentleman. He was heading up the fellside onto the ridge at Whinfell and Grayrigg Forest.
Dad strode out along the road with Borrow Beck down to the right and with trees either side.
After a while the view opened out to the fells ahead. Not being familiar as this area was new to Southey, he asked, "what are they called?"
The rest of us had climbed them all in the past and consulting the map, Allen said, "Shooter Howe and Castle Fell. The valley bends round to the right in front of them"
"That tall tree will make a nice picture against the blue sky", suggested Little Eric.
The road ended at a cattle grid, becoming a rough stony track...
... where this rather faded painted stone indicates entering...
Tetley said, "that's Belt Howe to the right. Our return route is the col on the far side between it and Roundthwaite Common."
Wandering on, this bridge...
...carries the track over the beck...
Soon the valley bent left and were passing below the slopes of Roundthwaite Common. "We will cross those slopes on our return route", said Grizzly.
There were sheep and Dad could not resist getting some shots. "Oh well never mind", sighed Allen. "There goes the sheep picture free story again."
"Aww you must admit that the lamb with its mother is so very cute", said Little Eric.
As we neared the farm, Grizzly pointed, "that fell with the tree clad slopes is Mabbin Crag."
Soon we arrived at Low Borrowdale Farm with its square chimneys.
Grizzly told us, "the house and adjoining barn carry Grade II listing. They are thought to date from the 17th and late 18th/19th century, respectively. The dating of the house appears to be based largely on the former presence of an inscribed cupboard, bearing the date 1685 together with the initials TMT". (We acknowledge the website of Greenlane Archaeology Ltd for this information).
"Where now?", asked Little Eric.
Shaun replied, "through that gate by the barn, then before the next gate, take the track sharp right behind the buildings."
After a gate the path became grassy and ran by the wall, before climbing steadily to and above another wall and then across the slopes of Roundthwaite Common and come between it and Belt Howe to a col.
"Oh what stunning views down into the valley where we have walked", pointed Allen. "So peaceful along there. Just the sound of the beck and the sheep and birds."
"That's Whinfell Beacon across the valley. The cairn at the summit can be seen", pointed Shaun.
"The last time we were up there was May 2010", commented Tetley.
As we started our descent we met the only other walkers today. A young couple coming the other direction.
Dad commented, "you'll soon be at the top and it is all downhill then."
"That's what he keeps telling me", the young lady replied.
The original published walk states the path ends, but now almost 30 years later there is a clear path all the way.
Seeing a flat boulder, Southey suggested ,"this is a good place for us to sit for our obligatory picture."
The path meandered on descending steadily to below Jeffrey's Mount.
"Dad has a book about the M6 in which there is a comment that history is silent as to who Jeffrey was", said Grizzly with a smile.
The track became stony taking us on and on and as we passed a puddle Little Eric said, "look tadpoles."
The track came to the right of the hamlet of Roundthwaite, this being one of the houses, and to the road.
Following this to the A685, Southey stated, "left here to cross the Lune Bridges."
Over the M6...
...and then the railway and River Lune.
"Our way is right to Brockholes Farm" instructed Shaun.
The tarmac drive stretched out making for easy walking.
That's a nice shot of the River Lune", said Allen, pointing right. "Unsurprisingly low after all the dry weather."
"Aww", called out Southey. "Look at those highland cattle just waiting to have their picture taken."
Nearing the buildings we took the signed path across a small field to the right and round the corner of a building. Here we saw a lady having her lunch over the wall and Dad stopped to have a little chat.
Then we followed the narrow path that led into a grassy pasture and on and on by the river.
"Aww goats" pointed Tetley. "Take a picture Dad."
Onwards and the path became rocky for a little way, bringing us to Salterwath Bridge.
Grizzly told us, "it is Grade II listed. There are two arches the road being 20 feet wide with approx 3 foot parapets. It was rebuilt in 1824 by Robert Gowling."
This allowed us to cross the River Lune, which was a necessity to get back to the start.
Striding out we passed Low Borrowbridge Farm.
"It has its own personal post box for deliveries. Please take a picture Dad", said Little Eric.
The road led on passing under the bridges carrying the railway and M6.
Both though predated by Low Borrow Bridge.
A few yards up to and across the A685 and we regained the car.
"What a super walk", said Southey. "All new to me. Just so beautiful and peaceful."
"Right lads I guess you have your picnic."
"Aye Dad, we'll have it in the car while you go to Junction 37 services at Tebay", replied Tetley.
He had a lovely beef dinner with Yorkshire pudding, roast and mashed pots and vegetables and gravy. Tea and then piece of iced lemon cake.
On the way out he talked to couple who like Dad love coming here. The lady said, "it is better than the M6 services and friendlier."
So headed home. Our pal Shaun feeling particularly happy having passed the milestone of 8000 miles!!
"Well done lad", said Dad.
"Aye, congratulations", cried Allen on behalf of the rest of us.
